LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Former Broncos player Denan Kemp has emphasized the need for Reece Walsh to figure out his path to improvement, as his inconsistent play is affecting the team's performance. Often regarded as the face of the Brisbane Broncos, Walsh is arguably the poster boy of the Brisbane Broncos, captivating fans when he excels in the No.1 jersey.
In the recent match against the Rabbitohs, Walsh showcased his significant talent, though he still made several critical errors. His attempts to rally the Broncos during their challenging game against the Melbourne Storm were notable, especially after the team lost both Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam to injuries.
Despite his efforts, the Broncos suffered a 22-2 defeat at AAMI Park, failing to score any tries. Walsh recorded three handling errors and conceded a penalty while striving to motivate his teammates against a formidable Storm lineup led by Harry Grant.
In one instance, Walsh attempted a risky pass to his winger during a break, which was deemed a forward pass. This was just one of several questionable decisions he's made recently, frustrating fans as he plays with noticeable urgency.
At only 23 years old, many of Walsh's Broncos teammates look to him for leadership, especially in light of the absence of key playmakers Reynolds and Mam. Maintaining a position in the top eight will be crucial for the team moving forward. Kemp believes it's vital for Walsh to determine the type of player he aspires to be.
Kemp and many Broncos supporters advocate for a more composed presence from Walsh on the field, as he often seems to be a step ahead of his teammates. With the organization investing $5 million in Walsh for the long term, Kemp argues he needs to become a consistent performer that the coach can rely on to develop the squad.
"I will say, Walshy he's got to make a decision. He has to make a decision as a player, what he wants to be. If he was on $600,000, that's fine, he can be up and down and have your big moments. But you can't build a club around a guy that is so up and down. And it's not just on the field. I think even off the field, mentally, he needs to find a way to calm his mind," he stated on SEN Radio.